Halloween in your own neighborhood is about as passé as trick-or-treating for Unicef.*
On October 31, a few Westport neighborhoods are swamped with kids (and parents) who live in less dense areas.
Or out of town.
They (or their parents) do a cost benefit analysis. Less walking = more candy/quicker time frame.
Most of the invaded homeowners go with the flow. They stock up on lots of goodies. Some invite the (often-costumed) parents in for a drink. It’s all part of the fun of living in a walkable area.
You can tell the ones who aren’t down with it. Their lights are off.
Sunil Hirani lives on Halloween’s epicenter: Soundview Drive.
He not only welcomed the dozens scores hundreds of ghosts, dinosaurs, astronauts and superheroes, and gave them plenty of sugar.
He also took dozens scores hundreds of photos.
Here’s one beach resident’s look at Halloween 2024.
In response to the recent mailing from Aquarion to water customers about possible lead pipes, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker asked Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich to contact the utility. Aquarion told him: “The water has been and will continue to be safe.”
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker adds, “I encourage residents with questions and concerns to contact Aquarion directly, or research online at Aquarion Water Company.”
The 2017 Staples High School graduate did not pitch in last night’s 7-6 Los Angeles Dodgers victory over the New York Yankees.
But he’s a World Series champion — the first-ever former Wrecker baseball player to earn that feat.
The champs will be honored with a parade in LA tomorrow, and an event at Dodger Stadium.
Then — at some point, when he returns here — Westport will no doubt throw a party for our newest hometown hero.
Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate, at Yankee Stadium.
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Content Studio — Chirag Shah and Jay Norris’ Saugatuck Avenue production studio that’s earning raves as Westport’s newest, most versatile party/meeting/ media location — hosted a great pre-Halloween masquerade ball last night.
A diverse, intriguing crowd celebrated with DJ Marcello, enjoyed excellent food and drinks — and raised money for A Better Chance of Westport.
There were no tricks at all. But plenty of treats.
From left: Dan Woog, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Jay Norris, Noah Fenn, Crystal Norris. (All photos/Ryan Allen)
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has announced new programs for youngsters.
Better Babysitting: This class teaches teens and young adults how to be a successful babysitter. It includes infant and child CPR, how to handle emergency situations and child development. Participants will leave this course as certified babysitters ready to work. (November 7, December 5, January 2, February 13, March 6, April 3, May 1; 4 to 6 p.m.; ages 11+).
Crafty Kids Art Classes:A fun space for children to grow creatively and socially through process art, DIY crafts and sensory play. (Tuesdays, November 12-December 10; 4 to 5 p.m.; grades K-5).
Food Explorers: Children make new food each week. Fridays, November 15-December 13; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; grades 2-5).
Exploring food encourages children to learn through sensory experiences, hands-on activities and working together to create delicious results. Children will have the freedom to explore food thanks to our unique “food neutral’ approach to teaching about food. During this class, children will learn to make a new food every week.
Water Polo: (Fridays , November 12-February 6; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; ages 8-13).
Speaking of kids: The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of this year’s Halloween Window Painting Contest, sponsored by Village Pediatrics.
Over 50 children painted 40 windows throughout town, thanks to the generosity of local businesses.
Winners received gift certificates for ice cream, thanks to Momu.
Winners in the 2 school levels and 3 painting categories are:
This past summer, Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club’s Fishing Committee ran a competition. The goal: Who could “catch” the most Mylar and plastic balloons.
The results far surpassed chair Maggie Carey’s expectations. Nearly 2 dozen families collected 431 balloons — plus plastic bags full of cans, pool floats, a beach ball, soccer ball and more.
On Sunday, prizes were awarded to winning families.
Evan, Lorraine and Kendall Berger (age 9) of Weston finished first, with 191 balloons (plus other items).
Second place went to Hannah and Eric Peck of Fairfield with 102 balloons (and assorted trash).
Rowayton Seafood found out about the competition, and doubled the value of gift cards SHYC purchased as awards.
Kendall also received a pair of Grudens fishing bibs, to help catch more balloons next year.
The balloons were collected in bunches, and solo. They represented R2D2, dinosaurs, pineapples and Spidermans.
Saugatuck Harbor hopes to repeat the contest next year. They may challenge other local yacht clubs to see who can collect the most.
And, Maggie notes, members — and everyone else — can continue collecting balloons they find on the water and washed up on shore, all year long.
This summer, the longtime Westporter and Longshore-area resident — provoked a debate by driving his golf cart, festooned with a large political banner, around the golf course and Compo Beach. Residents thought the private citizen was a town employee.
A heated confrontation with an irate anti-Trumper was caught on video.
Now, the Connecticut Centinal reports:
A female jogger running south on Compo Road South intentionally tipped over two Trump lawn signs before she turned right into the Longshore complex. The signs had been placed between the sidewalk and the roadway.
Romano contacted police and an officer met him to review video footage he had taken of the jogger. The footage did not show the jogger tipping over the signs.
But while speaking to Romano, the jogger coincidentally reappeared.
The police report indicates the jogger identified herself as a doctor, specifically a gynecologist. She told the officer she felt that the Trump signs were “offensive” to her “as a taxpayer in the Town of Westport” and she “doesn’t want to see” Trump signs on public property.
The officer reminded the doctor that regardless of one’s political views, everyone had a right to free speech, and that includes voicing their support for candidates in the election.
The officer asked the doctor to remain patient considering the election is only a week away, and gave her a warning. Meanwhile, Romano replanted the Trump signs.
Y’s Men of Westport and Weston member Mario Ottaviano died Sunday, surrounded by his family. He was 91.
He was born in Stamford to parents who immigrated from Italy. Mario graduated top of his class from the RCA Institute. For 27 years he owned and operated Economy TV, a television and audio sales and service company.
He received a BS in business from the University of Connecticut. He later earned a real estate broker’s license, a graduate certificate from the University of Georgia Real Estate Management program, and an ICSC Shopping Center Manager CSM degree.
Mario founded Ottaviano Associates, which owned properties around Stamford. He also owned and maintained properties in Bristol. He was knowledgeable about engineering, architecture and electronics. With his keen eye for craftmanship, he oversaw the restoration of two historic family homes.
An avid boater, Mario and his wife Marilyn enjoyed living by the water in Westport for 30 years. His interests included squash, handball, skiing, square dancing, theater, and biking with his children and grandchildren.
He played guitar and ukelele, and gardened and canned what he grew.
With the Y’s Men he spearheaded the Cooking Club, and was a member of the Hiking Club and Classical Music Society.
Mario was pre-deceased by his sister Angelina Concetta Lionetti. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Lovallo Ottaviano; children Susan of New York, John (Cindy) Stamford, Christy (Kevin Ohe) of Fairfield, and David (Jessica Bruck) of Albuquerque; and grandchildren Casey Ottaviano, Francis Ohe, Vincent Ohe, Henry Boone, Craig Ottaviano, Elena Ohe and Antonia Ottaviano.
A celebration of life ceremony will take place November 30 (10:30 a.m., Harbor Lights, 82 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk). Remembrances can be shared in the memory book on Cognetta Funeral Home’s website.
Posted onOctober 30, 2024|Comments Off on Violins Of Hope: Victory Of The Human Spirit
Some are over 100 years old.
But string instruments rescued from the Holocaust have a new life, thanks to Violins of Hope.
On November 16 (7 p.m., Norwalk Concert Hall), they’ll be featured in a unique performance by the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra.
The concert — set for the week after the anniversary of Kristallnacht — highlights the first-ever local visit of Violins of Hope, a private collection of violins, violas and cellos painstakingly restored by violin-makers based in Tel Aviv and Istanbul.
The instruments — which belonged to Jews before and during the Holocaust, some of which were played in concentration camps or thrown from cattle cars — will also be displayed at high schools, synagogues and churches throughout Fairfield County. The week-long visit features cultural exhibits, performances and community education, with a message of hope, resilience and unity.
Violins of Hope has been featured in print, film and television. The instruments have been used in educational programs worldwide, exhibited in museums, and played in concert halls from Berlin and Tel Aviv to Los Angeles and Washington.
The Violins of Hope visit, coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County, is underwritten in part by donations from Westporters Andy and Carol Boas.
“With the startling rise of antisemitism and swastikas etched on lockers in our schools, our role in the community is more important than ever,” says Shelley Kreiger, founding director of the Holocaust Resource Center of the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.
“The Nazis used music to humiliate and degrade Jews in ghettos and camps. The NSO concert, and the entire Violins of Hope program, are the ultimate answer to their plan to annihilate a people and instead represent the victory of the human spirit over evil and hatred.”
“Norwalk Symphony Orchestra is truly honored to join with the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County to bring music to life using the Violins of Hope for our community,” says Sandra Miklave, NSO’s executive director.
“We know the healing power of music, and this is multiplied as we play these truly historic instruments. It will be a meaningful and uplifting experience for both the audience and the musicians on the stage.”
The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra will also partner with the Jewish Federation for a children’s concert and instrument “petting zoo” on November 17 at the Discovery Science Center and Planetarium in Bridgeport.
The event includes science demonstrations and musical activities for young families. All proceeds from both events support the educational work of the Holocaust Resource Center of Greater Fairfield County.
Organizers have donated 2 tickets to “06880.” They will go to the first reader who requests them. Email 06880blog@gmail.com, with the subject line “Violins of Hope tickets.” UPDATE: The tickets have already been claimed.
Tickets for students, educators and Holocaust survivors are free. Other readers can get a 60% discount. Click here, then use the code “VOH-60.”
Comments Off on Violins Of Hope: Victory Of The Human Spirit
Some people love the New York Yankees. Some hate them.
This story will make even the most rabid Boston Red Sox fan say: “Go Yanks!”
Last Friday, Sara Deren — founder and CEO of Experience Camps, the Westport-based program for youngsters who have lost parents or siblings — got an email from a Fairfield mom.
Her son Declan has spent 4 years at Experience Camps. She wanted to know if anyone, anywhere could give Declan a chance to go to the World Series.
The mom wrote:
Declan and his dad Matt never missed a Yankee game. The Yankees were a humungous part of Declan’s life with Matt. They watched all the games and did everything Yankee together.
When Matt’s life was tragically cut short, Declan found life unbearable. At 9 years old, his grief was so deep it was as if his heart was ripped out of his chest.
The Yankees’ making it to the World Series has been unexpectedly healing for Declan. I can’t quite explain it. I never realized the tremendous role the Yankees play in Declan’s grief.
Sara contacted some people at the Yankees. She met them in June, when the Yankees honored Experience Camps.
The next day, Declan and his older brother had tickets to Game 4.
Sara went to Declan’s house on Sunday. Pretending to interview him for social about his dad and the Yankees, she surprised him by telling him he was going to the World Series. (Click here for the video.)
Declan discusses his dad, for social media.
On Tuesday, the 14-year-old was at Yankee Stadium. He wore a photo of his dad around his neck — and a smile as wide as the outfield fence (even before the team won).
I am a senior resident of Westport, recovering from a fractured leg and confined to a wheelchair. I was concerned about casting my vote, since the application for an absentee ballot came late.
I called the Town Clerk. He informed me that I could find the help I needed.
After seeing my license, 2 volunteers at Town Hall brought my ballot to the car, and assisted me in filling it out.
I am so appreciative of this accommodation, and grateful to live in a town where seniors are treated with such civility and sensitivity.
Difficult-to-navigate steps — but easy voting.
As we all know, this election is crucial. I am indebted to the people who helped me fulfill my responsibility.
Early voting runs through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. Tomorrow (Thursday, October 31), the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map.
“06880” reader Andrew Small adds:
Voting last Saturday was such an easy experience!
The highlight of our trip was being able to bring our 4-year-old daughter to the polls.
She had been a little uneasy about going. She knew she cannot vote until she turns 18, but she really wanted the “I VOTED” sticker.
A poll worker pulled her aside, and asked her to vote in the “Princess Poll.” Our daughter proudly voted for Elsa, and was thrilled to wear her “I VOTED” sticker the rest of the weekend.
Thank you so much to all the poll workers for working on behalf of our democracy last weekend, and ahead these next 6 days.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
The letter said, “Our most recent service line inventory indicates that some or all of the water service line materials between the water main and your property are of unknown material classification. Unknown means that the service line may be lead.”
The Health District says: “Please note that Aquarion’s letter is mandated by the federal government’s customer lead service line inventory effort, and that much of the contained language is required by USEPA as part of evolving regulations around the treatment of lead.
“Additionally, Aquarion has indicated that it consistently complies with all federal and state water quality standards, including those for lead. Even if a customer has lead service lines, Aquarion is adjusting the chemistry in the water to prevent corrosion that could result in lead in the tap.
“Before these new rules, adjusting water chemistry was the long-standing practice to protect consumers from lead. The lead service line inventory is a belt- and-suspenders approach across the country to get lead removed from drinking water infrastructure. Aquarion has indicated that the water has been and will continue to be safe.
“Click here for a link to Aquarion’s service line inventory map. Any resident in the service territory can look up their address to see what Aquarion has on record for their service line (both customer and utility side).
“Aquarion’s website has a comprehensive set of information about lead as well.
“Click here for a link to the Consumer Confidence Report for the most recent year for the Bridgeport Main System.”
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Congratulations to the Staples High School field hockey team!
Sofia Fidalgo’s penalty corner goal with 18 seconds left in regulation time propelled the Wreckers into overtime, in last night’s FCIAC championship at Wilton High School.
She scored again with just over a minute to play in the the extra period. The 3-2 win for top-ranked Staples, over #2 Darien, was the Westporters’ first league title since 2019, when they shared it with the Blue Wave. Darien had won 6 straight FCIAC crowns before last night.
Princeton University-bound Fidalgo — who was also named tournament MVP — told The Ruden Report: “Maybe I got those two final touches, but it was really a team effort throughout, Some of our defenders don’t get that credit because they’re not the ones who put it in the back of the net. They’re not the ones who have that final touch. But from our goalie, our defense, every single player, it’s all a team effort, and so I’m just really proud of every single player. Those last 15 minutes were really high intensity, but we were able to manage our emotions and calm down, especially in overtime, and finish.”
The Wreckers — ranked first in the state in the “L” (large schools) division — begin state tournament play next Wednesday. Pairings will be announced this week.
Staples Wreckers: FCIAC field hockey champs! (Photo courtesy of VJ Sarullo)
Last night, the 2017 Staples High School grad became only the second pitcher in baseball history to make his first-ever MLB start in a World Series. (But the first, no doubt, to do it on his mother’s birthday.)
He left (as planned) after 2 innings, with his Los Angeles Dodgers up 2-1 against the New York Yankees. He has given up just 1 run in 6 1/3 innings in the post-season.
The Yanks got 4 runs in the 3rd inning. after Casparius departed, then cruised to an 11-4 victory to stay alive in the Series (they are down 3 games to 1).
Game 5 is tonight at 8 p.m., on Fox. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Ben Casparius on the mound last night … (Screenshot/Fred Cantor)
Reading is wonderful, and joyous — for many people.
For some, it is challenging and frustrating.
Jennifer Bernheim — advocate, entrepreneur, and mom to a dyslexic learner — has launched a new podcast with Verso Studios at the Westport Library.
“Right to Read” is named after the organization she founded. It offers advocacy services, IEP coaching and workshops, as well as a corporate HR benefit that provides educational resources and advocacy coaching.
The podcast offers information on community resources, best practices for dyslexic learners, legislation, and success stories.
It debuted yesterday — during Dyslexia Awareness Month — with 3 20-minute episodes. Additional episodes will drop every other week.
Speaking of the Library: If you were there yesterday morning, you got an unexpected musical treat.
The Orphenians — Staples’ elite singing group — joined a few other area high schools in an inspiring workshop, hosted by the Voces8 Foundation.
The Westport Library this morning between 9 and 11:30am was in for a musical treat. Staples Orphenians, along with a few other area high school choirs, participated in an inspiring workshop hosted by the Voces8 Foundation.
Voces8 — based in the UK — teaches chamber music to high school students worldwide. They visit “music hubs” in New York, Minneapolis and Dallas several times a year.
Last year, they added Westport as a hub.
Voces8 will sponsor another workshop this spring, followed by an evening performance.
Voces8 workshop, at the Westport Library. (Hat tip and photo/Liz Skopp)
Kenzie Hoefs has started a GoFundMe. Last weekend her brother-in law Matt Zahler of Westport lost his battle with depression, leaving behind her sister Steph and 3-year-old niece, and 3 teenage sons from his previous marriage.
Kenzie writes: “Steph owns her own business and will need to take time away from her business to make sure Winnie is supported and adjusts to a new norm, as well as cover funeral costs.
“Steph is truly one of the most selfless people I know and would do anything to help anyone. I’m asking for us to come together and give back to her to remove some of the financial stress during this very difficult time.”
Many Westporters are working to elect their preferred presidential candidate.
They’re making get-out-the-vote phone calls. They’re posting on social media. They’re contributing money.
Shonda Rhimes is in Georgia, urging voters in that swing state to cast their ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Westport resident — who, the New York Times said “became one of American entertainment’s most influential figures after she created the television hits ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Scandal” — told volunteers at a Democratic field office near Atlanta: “In any episode of ‘Grey’s’ or ‘Scandal,’ I could not make this up. I would not make this up. But this is real. We have a problem, people, and his name is Donald Trump.”
The Times story explored “how much star power ultimately matters to voters, who routinely list issues like the economy, abortion rights and crime as more essential to their choices than celebrity appearances.” Click here to read the full article.
Shonda Rhimes, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
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Her son Declan has spent 4 years at Experience Camps. She wanted to know if anyone, anywhere could give Declan a chance to go to the World Series.
